HC Deb 16 May 1963 vol 677 cc1532-3
28. Mr. Shinwell

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many advance factories are in process of building in the County of Durham; how many will be completed in 1963; how many are in contemplation; and what estimate he can give of the number of workpeople who are likely to be employed.

Mr. D. Price

Ten advance factories are being provided in the County of Durham under the present programme. Three of these are already under construction. My right hon. Friend expects that seven will be completed this year and the other three soon afterwards. The 10 factories should provide more than 1,000 jobs.

Mr. Shinwell

When does the hon. Member expect production to begin?

Mr. Price

When the factories are completed and we have tenants for them.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not this all pie in the sky? Is nothing definitely arranged? Is it not a fact that at the end of the day very few men will be absorbed into employment? Is not that the position? Is this the best that the Government can do? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that shocking reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that the irregularity of the notice can be successfully concealed in a supplementary question